Aluminium installation must be planned carefully to minimise risk of damage during the fixing process. Contractors should be instructed to carry out spot checks on sheet products covered with protective film before working or fixing commences, to ensure surface finish suitability.

Follow the brief checklist below for a hassle-free installation:

The lightweight advantage of aluminium (34% that of steel) over other architectural materials, makes for ease of handling and fixing with a minimum number of operatives. When handling individual sheets or panels, care should be taken not to damage exposed edges or corners. Thin materials are particularly vulnerable.

Aluminium items have a best and reverse face. Inspect closely and ensure the best face is fixed / positioned on the most visible side.

Material flanges which are oversize must not be forced or hammered into position. Components requiring a reduction in size should ideally be returned to the factory for re-processing.

Site work such as drilling and cutting, should be avoided if at all possible. If specified, items can be supplied as accurately pre-cut and pre-drilled components subject to agreed tolerances

When installing or working unprotected material surfaces, a low tack self adhesive tape or covering is to be applied to prevent surface marking.

When site drilling is unavoidable, standard twist drills are satisfactory for most operations. For deep holes, high speed drills or bits with a steeper point of angle should be used.

Positions for drill holes should not be marked out along visible faces with a scored line. A pencil, or felt tip pen with removable ink or similar is to be used, which can be subsequently wiped off with a soft cloth.

Cutting operations can be effected by semi high-speed and high-speed saws of between 150mm and 450mm diameter, with approximately 3 teeth per 25mm. Band saws and heavy duty woodworking machines are also suitable for light work. Blades used in hand saws should be of high speed type with fairly coarse teeth.

After cutting, it is important that any swarf or chippings are removed from the product surface with extreme care, to avoid the possibility of scratching. These should be removed ideally with an air line or alternatively by lightly brushing away. Burrs can be removed by the use of long angle files with 14 to 20 single cut teeth per 25mm, for most fine work.

Gooding Aluminium are a respected national and international supplier of a wide range of high quality aluminium sheets, aluminium profiles and ‘made to order’ aluminium products with ‘invisible fixing solutions.

Gooding Aluminium were the perfect supplier when Hackney Marshes, whom are famous for being the ‘grassroots’ in amateur football, had to update the facilities they provide to hundreds of players and spectators.

The London Borough of Hackney developed an ambitious vision for the site, recognising its community value and pivotal location adjacent to the Olympic Park. Features of the new building include community and spectator facilities on the first floor, with changing rooms located at ground-floor level with provision for disabled players.

Gooding Aluminium manufactured and supplied mill finish single and double folded perforated aluminium ceiling trays, throughout the corridors of the South Marsh Community Hub building project.

The aluminium ceiling panels are attached to specially produced aluminium angle with rivet nut fixings. The rivet nut fixings provide an excellent solution where components are joined together to form a solid anchor, providing a clean finish to the ceiling panels without damaging the material’s surface.

The ceiling panels were installed throughout the corridors that connect 27 changing rooms in the hub. With its excellent corrosion resistance, mill aluminium (untreated) was selected as being the most suitable and cost effective finish for the ceiling panels.